Diversity from Hill Interns to Top Staff

26

Jul

Diversity from Hill Interns to Top Staff

Submitted by Joint Center

Capitol Hill interns posed for this selfie with Speaker Paul Ryan. The lack of diversity among interns has an impact on the composition of congressional staff and top staff, who make decisions that shape our nation as a whole.

This video is based on the Joint Center's report on Racial Diversity Among Top Senate Staff. We found that although African Americans, AAPIs, Latinos, and Native Americans make up 36% of the U.S. population, they only make up 7% of top Senate staff (African Americans make up 1%, and Latinos 2%). This is an issue for both Democrats and Republicans.

Solutions:

Hire interns and fellows from APAICS, CBCF, CHCI, INSIGHT America, and the GW Native American Political Leadership Program

Be more transparent about who works in each office

Interview at least one person of color for every job opening (use the NFL’s “Rooney Rule”)

Establish a competitive, senior-level fellowship of color

Each Member’s office should develop a diversity plan

Require implicit bias training for staff who make hiring decisions

Set up and support Republican and Democratic diversity offices

Coming soon: Joint Center report on Diversity Among Top U.S. House Staff.

Capitol Hill interns posed for this selfie with Speaker Paul Ryan. The lack of diversity among interns has an impact on the composition of congressional staff and top staff, who make decisions that shape our nation as a whole." data-share-imageurl="https://jointcenter.org/sites/default/files/Screen-Shot-2016-07-18-at-4.35.57-PM.jpg">